After an emergency, such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake, drinking water may not be available or safe to drink. This information will help you plan for treating and storing your water in the event of an emergency.

Studies have linked long-term exposure of arsenic in drinking water to a variety of cancers in humans. To protect human health, an EPA standard limits the amount of arsenic in drinking water at .010 parts per million (10 parts per billion) to protect consumers.

This interactive web site allows users to view and query several types of environmental information, including drinking water, toxic and air releases, hazardous waste, water discharge permits, and Superfund sites. EnviroMapper also links to text reports.

Community water fluoridation is not only safe and effective, but it is also cost-saving and the least expensive way to deliver the benefits of fluoride to all residents of a community. Studies show that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by about 25 percent over a person’s lifetime.

This fact sheet provides information for consumers on what they need to know about food and water safety during hurricanes, power outages, and floods. Find preparedness tips for when the power goes out, once power is restored, and when flooding occurs.

Staying hydrated is particularly important for older adults, as thirst regulation is sometimes impaired with aging. Watch this video to find out why water, unsweetened tea, and low-fat and fat-free milk are among the best beverage choices.

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Page last updated:
Tuesday, March 03, 2015